Stockport gets set to celebrate VE Day with community events and remembrance

Stockport and its Armed Forces Community are preparing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Thursday 8 May 2025, with a series of events across the borough to honour the courage, sacrifice and unity of the World War II generation.

Church bells ringing out across the borough, standard bearers in full regalia, and schoolchildren waving flags at their own mini street parties. Stockport will honour the past with pride and pageantry, offering meaningful ways for all generations to connect with this moment in our history.

As well as organised events, we are also encouraging neighbours and communities to come together to throw their own street parties in support of VE Day. Residents can apply to hold a street party.

Other events and activities planned in collaboration with the Normandy Veterans Legacy Association (NVL) and Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) during the week-long celebration of VE Day include:

• Wednesday 7 May: the VE Day flag will be flown outside Stockport Town Hall and will fly all week long
• Wednesday 7 May: VE Tea Dance at Stockport Town Hall 1 to 4pm; open to the public
• Thursday 8 May: primary school 'Street Parties'
• Thursday 8 May: private civic commemoration event hosted by the Mayor of Stockport and arranged in collaboration with the Normandy Veterans Association Legacy and Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO)
• Thursday 8 May: Launch of 'We Can't Celebrate; The War isn't Over Yet' exhibition at War Memorial Art Gallery (private event), opens to the public from 9 May. Watch a short video about the exhibition.
• Thursday 8 May: 6.30pm Church Bell ringing for 30 minutes across the country
• Thursday 8 May: 6.30pm Armed Forces Community with Standard Bearers meeting outside St George's church; no service

Councillor Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “VE-Day 80 is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who secured our freedom while celebrating the resilience and hope of the communities who rebuilt their lives after the war. I encourage everyone to join us in commemorating this special anniversary.

“VE-Day 80 marks an important occasion in our history. We are proud to support initiatives that not only honour our past but also celebrate those who have shaped our community since 1945.

“As well as other activities taking place across the borough, Stockport Town Hall will fly the VE Day flag to honour the service of the Second World War generation. Let’s take the time to remember all those people who sacrificed so much for our future.

“I’d encourage everyone in Stockport to take part — whether it’s attending a local event, joining a street party, or simply taking a quiet moment to say thank you. This is our chance to show that we haven’t forgotten.”

Linda Varley, Normandy Veterans Legacy Association, said: "Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation’s Logo is Stronger, Better, Together and this sums up how our community has worked together with Stockport Council to commemorate VE Day.

"Following successful D Day 80th events last year, Stockport NVA Legacy have been proud to lead the plans for VE and VJ events this year. Our WW2 Veterans would be proud of us keeping their legacy alive and we couldn’t have achieved our aims of Education, Remembrance (and Celebration) without the full support we have received."

Watch a video prepared by SAFCO and Normandy Veterans as they reflect on VE Day.